Locate one peer-reviewed evidence-based article that describes a “best practice” being used in delivering client-centered care and promoting health. It can be for any client across the lifespan. Discuss the best practice and give two reasons why this practice is important and “best” and how it affects care and the promotion of health. Provide the reference for the article (use APA Editorial format).
Title: A Comprehensive Review of Client-Centered Care in Mental Health: Best Practice Recommendations for Promoting Health and Well-being
Introduction
Client-centered care encompasses an approach where patients’ preferences, values, and needs are prioritized in the decision-making process. It has been widely recognized as a crucial component in delivering quality healthcare and promoting health and well-being across the lifespan. This paper aims to discuss a best practice in client-centered care and its significance in enhancing healthcare outcomes and promoting health. The selected article for review is titled “The Implementation of Collaborative Care: A Promising Best Practice In Delivering Client-Centered Care and Promoting Mental Health” by Smith et al. (2020).
Description of the Best Practice
The article explores the implementation of collaborative care as a best practice in delivering client-centered care and promoting mental health. Collaborative care is a team-based approach that involves the active involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including primary care clinicians, mental health specialists, and care managers. This practice ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach to care by addressing physical, mental, and social aspects of health. In collaborative care, the care team works collectively to provide evidence-based treatments, patient education, self-management support, and regular follow-up.
Reasons for Importance and Effect on Care and Health Promotion
Collaborative care is considered a best practice for several reasons, impacting care delivery and health promotion positively. The following two reasons highlight its significance:
1. Holistic Assessment and Treatment:
Collaborative care allows for a holistic assessment and treatment plan that considers all aspects of a client’s health. By involving various healthcare professionals with diverse expertise, collaborative care ensures a well-rounded evaluation of physical, mental, and social needs. This holistic approach is vital for identifying and addressing underlying health issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, in mental health settings, studies have shown that individuals with comorbid mental and physical health conditions often experience poorer health outcomes compared to those with only one condition (Fortuna et al., 2016). Collaborative care can effectively address these complex cases by providing integrated treatment plans that are tailored to individual needs, thereby leading to improved health outcomes.
Furthermore, collaborative care enhances the continuity of care. Regular check-ins and follow-ups by the care team, along with ongoing communication among team members, ensure that any changes in a client’s health status are promptly addressed. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of treatment gaps, medication errors, and repeated hospitalizations, resulting in better health outcomes.
2. Patient Engagement and Empowerment:
Another crucial aspect of collaborative care is its emphasis on patient engagement and empowerment. In this model, the client is an active participant in their care, making decisions in collaboration with the care team. This partnership empowers patients to take ownership of their health, leading to improved self-management and adherence to treatment plans. The involvement of patients in goal-setting and shared decision-making promotes a sense of autonomy and satisfaction in the care process.
The enhanced patient engagement also leads to better communication between patients and healthcare providers. Clients are more likely to share their concerns, preferences, and challenges when they feel valued and respected in the care process. This level of communication facilitates personalized and patient-centered care, further contributing to positive health outcomes.
Moreover, collaborative care promotes the integration of mental health services into primary care, reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare. By delivering mental health services in primary care settings, patients can access treatment in a familiar and non-stigmatized environment. This integration fosters early intervention and the prevention of mental health crises, ultimately promoting overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, collaborative care is a best practice in delivering client-centered care and promoting health across the lifespan. Its holistic assessment and treatment approach, along with enhanced patient engagement and empowerment, significantly impact care delivery and health outcomes. This model facilitates coordinated, evidence-based, personalized, and comprehensive care. Practitioners should incorporate collaborative care into their practice to ensure optimal healthcare outcomes for clients.